Horror Genre

For my portfolio film opening I have decided to work along the lines of the horror genre. There are three main characteristics of this genre that will be essential for the opening; mystery, suspense and fear.

Mystery

Mystery in the horror genre is not the same as the one seen in thrillers. While in both it involves an unknown situation or identity, within the horror realm the mystery does not have to be solved by the end. The supernatural, such as demons or ghosts, are often used as the source of mystery for films as the protagonists encounter it or battle against it. This can be done through mise-en scene elements to create mystery. Horror movies often take place in dark, abandoned locations that arouse the feeling of suspicion and doubt that later becomes mystery. 

Suspense 

Suspense is a crucial element to creating the opening that will keep the viewers enticed. This can be done through editing and audio. The editing will be quick paced and will speed up as the scene climaxes. The use of quick cutting will leave the audience disoriented and understand the sense of urgency of the scene. This as a result will create a feeling of  uncertainty and anxiousness. The audio chosen will be one where the wavelengths are not compatibles. When these wavelengths do not meet, they form an inharmonious sound which will in turn make the sound unpleasant or "scary". This will build up tension that when paired with the fast editing will create suspense. 

Fear

After mystery and suspense are established, fear comes into play. Utilizing the same elements as suspense and mystery, lighting and sounds will generate this from the audience.  As humans it is our innate fear of the unknown that will allow for the use of low lighting to scare the audience. Since suspense is already built up, any shadow visible will be interpreted as frightful. Pair it up with high pitched sounds and the audience will be in fear. A jump scare will be inserted right at the height of the scene that is ensured to cause fear by the end.